Tomorrow Society

Smart talk and stories behind the magic of theme parks

The Imagineering Story, Episode 4: “Hit or Miss”

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The concept art for the entrance to the original version of Disney California Adventure.
The original Disney California Adventure entrance

We have reached the darker second act of The Imagineering Story, and the situation looks grim at times during “Hit or Miss”. Michael Eisner lasts long enough at Disney to become the villain, and his new henchman Paul Pressler arrives to enact his austerity policies.… Read more...

The Imagineering Story, Episode 3: “The Midas Touch”

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Michael Eisner and Frank Wells brought a new era to Disney when they arrived in 1984, and that's the focus of Episode 3 of The Imagineering Story.
Michael Eisner and Frank Wells pose with Mickey Mouse.

Michael Eisner takes center stage on Episode 3 of The Imagineering Story, but the star is Imagineer Tony Baxter. He receives more screen time with the focus on classics like Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Splash Mountain, and the Indiana Jones Adventure, plus Disneyland Paris.… Read more...

The Imagineering Story, Episode 2: “What Would Walt Do?”

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A shot from The Imagineering Story of the construction of EPCOT Center.
EPCOT Center was a massive construction project.

It’s a busy time for Disney’s theme parks with many new attractions on the horizon. This activity pales in comparison to the mayhem of 1982, however. EPCOT Center opened on October 1st with entirely new technology and ride systems throughout the park.… Read more...